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- 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup basil pesto sauce - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Gathering the right ingredients makes this dish shine. You can use fresh gnocchi or shelf-stable gnocchi, depending on what you have. The fresh spinach adds a nice green touch. The heavy cream creates a rich sauce, while the basil pesto adds depth of flavor. Cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst, and Parmesan cheese adds that cheesy goodness. - For gnocchi, you can try potato dumplings or even pasta if you prefer. - If you want a plant-based option, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. - For dairy-free cheese, try nutritional yeast or a store-bought alternative to Parmesan. These substitutions keep the spirit of the dish while catering to your needs. Feel free to mix and match. Cooking should be fun and flexible! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. Then, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Raise the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir often to avoid burning the bottom. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of basil pesto sauce. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. If you like heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well until everything is blended smoothly. This adds a rich, herbal flavor to your dish. Now, carefully add 1 pound of gnocchi to the creamy mixture. Make sure they are evenly covered. Allow the gnocchi to cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until they start to soften. Then, gently fold in 2 cups of chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Stir to combine. The sauce should thicken, and the spinach should be tender but not wilted. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish! - How to prevent gnocchi from sticking: To keep your gnocchi from sticking together, use a non-stick pot. Also, make sure to stir them gently. This way, they won’t clump as they cook. You can also sprinkle a little flour on them before adding to the pot. This adds a light coating that helps prevent sticking. - Ensuring the sauce stays creamy and well-blended: Stir the heavy cream slowly into the pot. Heat it gently to avoid scalding. Mix in the pesto until fully combined. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of water or more cream. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. - Best sides to pair with creamy pesto gnocchi: This dish goes well with a light salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. The crunch of the bread pairs nicely with the creamy texture of the gnocchi. - Presentation tips for a stunning dish: Serve your gnocchi in deep bowls. This helps keep the dish warm. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. A sprinkle of basil or parsley adds a vibrant touch. You can even add a few halved cherry tomatoes on top for color and freshness. {{image_4}} You can boost your dish by adding protein. For meat lovers, cooked chicken or shrimp works great. Simply sauté them in the pot before adding garlic. This adds flavor and substance to your meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or white beans. They provide a hearty texture and protein without meat. To make this dish even more exciting, try adding different vegetables. Bell peppers or zucchini can add color and crunch. Just chop them up and toss them in with the spinach. You can also play with the pesto flavors. Sun-dried tomato pesto offers a rich and unique taste. Experimenting with these options can make your meal feel fresh each time. To keep your creamy pesto gnocchi fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge right away to keep them safe. You can enjoy your meal for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. When reheating, do it slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy. Stir gently to avoid burning. If you want to freeze it, place the gnocchi in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for about two months in the freezer. Just remember, freezing may change its texture a bit. Can I use gluten-free gnocchi? Yes, you can use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer tasty options. Just ensure you follow the cooking time on the package. They may cook slightly faster than regular gnocchi. How long does this dish take to prepare? This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You need around 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook. It’s quick and easy for a weeknight meal. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free cheese. Look for nut or soy-based options. They work well with the pesto flavors. What do I serve with One Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach? This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light side dish adds balance and freshness to the meal. This recipe for One Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach gives you a delicious meal. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them simply. The tips and tricks help you avoid common cooking issues. You can customize this dish with proteins or veggies to suit your taste. In the end, this meal is quick, easy, and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this tasty recipe!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach

Indulge in a deliciously easy One Pot Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spinach that's perfect for any weeknight dinner! This quick recipe combines fluffy gnocchi, fresh spinach, creamy sauce, and vibrant cherry tomatoes for a comforting dish everyone will love. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a flavorful way to elevate your mealtime. Click through to discover how to make this creamy delight that will have your taste buds dancing!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto sauce

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it's fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Slowly pour in the heavy cream, increasing the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent any scalding on the bottom of the pot.

      Incorporate the basil pesto sauce into the cream, along with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Stir well until all ingredients are blended smoothly.

        Carefully add the gnocchi into the creamy mixture, making sure they are evenly covered. Allow them to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to soften.

          Gently fold in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the gnocchi is cooked through. The spinach should also be tender but not wilted.

            Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.

              Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed, ensuring it’s well-balanced.

                - Präsentationstipps: Serve the creamy gnocchi in bowls, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and vibrancy.

                  Vorbereitungszeit: 10 Minuten | Gesamtzeit: 20 Minuten | Portionen: 4